Computing Standards
Hardware recommendations
What hardware do you need?
These are UB’s minimum hardware standards for desktop and laptop computers. For most academic areas, these standards should meet your computing needs for two or more years at UB. An older computer may be less responsive but may provide enough functionality. Check with UBMicro before you invest in upgrades.
Computer from home
Processor: 2GHz for Windows/Linux, G5 or Intel core duo for Mac
Memory: 1GB
Hard Drive: 40GB
Media: DVD+/-RW drive
Network Port: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port
Wireless Access: 802.11b or 802.11g compliant
Buying a new computer
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory: 2GB
Hard Drive: 80-100GB
Media: DVD+/-RW drive
Network Port: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port
Wireless Access: 802.11g compliant
You should also have a printer.
Your computer should be able to store and access materials using a removable storage device such as a USB flash drive (512 MB suggested) or a CD.
Students at UB are expected to have access to a computer—access beyond what is provided in the University’s public computing sites and department labs.
To connect your computer to UB and the Internet, your computer must include an Ethernet port, wireless network card or modem, depending on where you connect. We recommend all options for the flexibility to use our network either on or off campus.
What operating system should you have?
| Windows | XP Professional with service pack 2 or Windows Vista* |
| Apple | Apple OS 10.4 or later |
| Linux | RedHat 4 or later |
*Before purchasing the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system, please read our recommendations.
**Most dialects of Linux will work on our networks, but we test against and support Red Hat Linux and are confident this version works well in our environment.